The Premier League has the highest percentage of foreign players in Europe and Nigerians have made up part of this numbers for years. Some of the greats include Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo and Obi Mikel while upcoming youngster like Iheanacho is currently flying the green-white-green flag. But who are the highest-scoring Nigerians in Premier League history?
As you may have guessed, the likes of Yakubu, Kanu and the controversial. Odemwingie lit up the Premier League in their days, but who are the other players to complete this list? Let’s find out.
Highest-Scoring Nigerians in Premier League History
These players were deadly on their best days and gave the best Premier League defenders a run for their money. These are the highest-scoring Nigerians in Premier League history.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 95
Ask Harry Redknapp, he will tell you Yakubu is one of the best players he has managed. Yakubu represented Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn scoring 95 goals in 252 Premier League appearances. He is only behind Drogba and Adebayor in the all-time African goal-scorers in Premier League history. Like they say in England, “feed the Yak and he would score”.
Nwankwo Kanu – 54
Chelsea fans will not forget Kanu anytime soon. The Nigerian striker scored a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge sparking the chant “Kanu believe it!”. Kanu spent 11 years in English top-flight representing Arsenal, West Brom and Portsmouth. He won many trophies including two Premier League titles and was part of Arsenal’s Invincibles. He scored 54 goals in 273 appearances.
Efan Ekoku – 52
Efan Ekoku played in the early 90s and may not be well-known to many. Efan was born in England but represented Nigeria. He played for Norwich City and Wimbledon in the top-flight netting a total of 52 goals in 160 appearances.
Shola Ameobi – 43
Uncle Shola is one a one-man club. Ameobi represented Newcastle all his years and later joined Crystal Palace for a short stint before he retired. Ameobi remains a Newcastle legend and he is fondly remembered at the Tyneside. In total, he made a total of 299 Premier League appearances and scored 43 goals.
Peter Odemwingie – 36
One of the highest-scoring Nigerians in Premier history, Odemwingie was hot when on form. He played his best football with West Brom where he tried to force a move on deadline day and was the talk of the town. He later represented Cardiff and Stoke City but never really got his form back. In total, he scored 36 goals in 129 Premier League appearances.
Obafemi Martins – 28
They call him Obagoal, Martins was known for his explosive speed and powerful shots. Obagoal was a household name already in European football having made a name for himself at Inter Milan. He joined Newcastle and was given Alan Shearer’s number 9 jersey. Oba netted 28 goals in the Premier League all for Newcastle and none for Birmingham City where is was later loaned. He, however, netted a league cup winning goal for Birmingham against Arsenal and is loved by the fans till today.
Victor Anichebe – 26
Anichebe had a huge potential bursting onto the scene with Everton but his career was blighted by injuries. He played most of his football with Everton and later represented West Brom and Sunderland. In total, he scored 26 goals in 204 appearances.
Victor Moses – 20
Surprisingly one of the highest-scoring Nigerians in Premier League history, Moses. Played most times as a winger and famously as a wing-back under Antonio Conte in Chelsea’s title-winning season. He also played for Wigan, Liverpool, West Ham and Stoke City raking up a total of 220 appearances. He has 20 Premier League goals but could still get more since he is still contracted to Chelsea.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 19
Still only 23, Kelechi burst onto the scenes with Manchester City as a raw talent. Pep Guardiola sold him to Leicester City and he’s struggled for most part before gaining back his confidence under Brendan Rodgers. He has 19 goals so far in 106 Premier League appearances. Time is still on his side.
Odion Ighalo – 16
Ighalo started with Watford in the Championship before getting promoted to the Premier League with them. He has 16 goals in 56 Premier League appearances before going to China to make big money, a sharp Ajegunle boy. In what was a shock move, Manchester United signed him on loan in 2020 January window and he could still get more Premier League goals.
Wrapping Up
These are the highest-scoring Nigerians in Premier League history. Nigeria will always keep on producing talents flying the flag high in English football.
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